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Check out Le Petit Refuge — Run the Alps’ cozy Chamonix cabin for trail runners!

Two trail runners stopped with mountains in background.

The Americans are Here! (It’s About Time.)

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Guided by Gary Daines

A diehard father and son team were our first guests back to the Alps in over a year. Their persistence paid off, with a quiet trip trail running around the northern half of the Tour du Mont-Blanc-- and a chance to trail race in Chamonix, France!

Two trail runners stopped with mountains in background.

Cole and John, taking a break along the Italian Val Ferret. (Photo: Gary Daines.)

Two runners running through a forest.

On the move: John and Cole ran over alpine passes, past villages, and through forests on their way to Chamonix, France. (Photo: Gary Daines.)

a brook running out of Italy's alps.

Melting snow fed the brooks in late June, along the Italian section of the Tour du Mont-Blanc. (Photo: Gary Daines.)

a trail runner with a cow on a trail

John has a dubious encounter with another of the travelers along the Tour du Mont-Blanc. (Photo: Gary Daines.)

Time to add back some calories! John samples some local cuisine– a Croute au Fromage– along the route. (Photo: Gary Daines.)

old chalets along the Tour du Mont Blanc

High above Italy’s Val Ferret, en route to the Bonatti Refuge, old chalets and farms dot the landscape. (Photo: Gary Daines.)

Cole ticked off an impressive race at the Marathon du Mont-Blanc, finishing 28th overall. (Photo: Doug Mayer.)